Sinus Cancer: Signs to Know

About 2,000 Americans are diagnosed with nasal or paranasal sinus cancer each year. Many of these cases are caught by patients noticing specific symptoms. The earlier cancer is caught, the higher the chance of treatment success, in general.

It’s important to note: There are many non-cancerous conditions that can be associated with the symptoms we’re about to discuss, but it’s best to be vigilant and tell your doctor when you notice something out-of-the-ordinary.

With that in mind, here are some symptoms that can be associated with these types of sinus cancer:

Nosebleeds

Nasal stuffiness/blockage that won’t go away

Mucus discharge (from the nose or down the throat)

Diminished sense of smell

Vision trouble (double vision; total or partial loss of vision)

Bulging in one eye

Pain above or below the eye

Watery eye

Lasting facial pain or numbness

Lasting lump or growth (especially on the face, nose or roof of mouth)

Loose teeth

Enlarged lymph nodes

If you notice these symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor right away. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, and ask you questions about your medical history and current physical state.

After the examination, if your doctor determines that more information is needed, you might be sent for imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI. These steps will help your doctor determine if cancer is present, and if so, how far it might have progressed. Put together, this information will help determine what treatment is needed.

It’s important to tell your doctor about these types of symptoms earlier rather than later — don’t wait when it comes to your health.

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